Weeds are plants that cause problems. Many weeds are simply a nuisance, while others cause serious negative impact on agricultural production, the environment and human health.

Within the Woollahra Local Government Area (LGA) weeds have a direct impact on the sustainability and integrity of bushland areas, the aesthetics and function of aquatic environments, streetscapes, roadways and parks and are implicated in some human health issues. More than 180 environmental weeds have been identified within the Woollahra LGA.

Some significant weeds are required by law to be controlled. Under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NWA 1993) owners and occupiers of land have certain legal responsibilities to control weeds upon their land if they are listed as noxious within the Woollahra LGA.

Woollahra Council has a Noxious Weeds Policy (PDF File, 158.1kb) and a Noxious Weeds Strategy (PDF File, 192.1kb) which encompasses objectives for the control of all weeds within the municipality, inclusive of noxious and environmental weeds. It provides for the undertaking of on-ground works, the provision of educational information and the undertaking of regulatory control through inspections on private land as provided for under the NWA 1993.

Woollahra Council is committed to the control of weeds and is working together with the community through initiatives such as Council’s volunteer Bushcare program to protect and regenerate urban bushland. Council also engages qualified field staff and contractor specialists in weed management throughout the LGA and seeks funding opportunities in support of its weed management strategy. Importantly, the control of weeds locally within the LGA contributes to the control of weeds regionally, a central goal of the Sydney Central Regional Weeds Committees, of which Woollahra Council is a contributing member.